Nitrogen Dioxide What Is It? Nitrogen Dioxide is a red-brown gas or yellow liquid but can be a colorless solid at a certain temperature. How Does It form? Nitrogen Dioxide comes from a number of things, such as Kerosene heaters, unvented gas stoves, gas heaters and tobacco smoke. Effects In Us And The Enviroment. Nitrogen Dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Also, it causes impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections in young children. What We Can Do To Prevent or Reduce Nitrogen Dioxide. If you have a gas stove, get a hood that is properly vented to the outside. Also, have a qualified professional inspect your furnace, stoves and water heaters annually. Return to the top of the page